System for transporting and installing roof trusses

ABSTRACT

A truss handling apparatus has a plurality of channels and retaining devices to retain a truss for transporting and installing of trusses on building structures. The truss handling apparatus interacts with the forks of a lift. The truss handling apparatus has a base with a platform and the plurality of channels. The retaining device of the truss handling apparatus engages the sloping side rafters or top of a truss.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/066,963 filed Feb. 25, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the construction of building roofs. More particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus for transporting and installing trusses for building roofs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, the common system for installing trusses for building roofs is unsatisfactory. As shown in FIG. 1, a truss 10, generally has a long base 12, a height 14, and a pair of sloping side rafters 16. The truss 10 is suspended by some suspension means 18, such as rope, wire, or chain, below the forks 20 of a fork lift or “lull,” a type of lift commonly used on building sites and referred to by the name of its manufacturer.

Because the truss 10 is suspended below the forks 20, the height to which the truss 10 can be lifted is limited. Also, because the truss 10 can rotate about the suspension means 18, it lacks stability and is difficult to handle, resulting in only one truss 10 being installed at a time. J Alternatively, a truss could be placed across the top of, and perpendicular to, the forks 20. However, this placement makes it difficult for workers on the building to remove the truss from the forks 15 and place it in its proper location on the building. Still another alternative involves bringing a crane with a longer boom to a building site. However, the increased costs of using such a crane and the lack of stability of suspending a truss, as described above, make the use of a crane more expensive and dangerous.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In contrast to the above-described system for installing trusses, the truss handling apparatus and method efficiently and inexpensively transports trusses for building roofs and facilitates installation.

The invention relates to a truss handling apparatus including a platform, a truss engaging device, and a lift interface. The platform has at least two contact points for engaging the truss. The truss engaging device is spaced from the platform for engaging the truss. The lift interface interfaces with a lift to allow movement of the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the platform has a front edge and a back edge. The contact point is a channel extending from the front edge to the back edge. The truss engaging device is a retaining device associated with the channels for retaining the truss. The lift interface is the base which has a pair of beams having a pair of openings.

In an embodiment, each of the retaining devices includes a cylinder and a rod having a first end received by the cylinder and a second end having a “U” shape for engaging the truss. A spring mechanism is connected between the cylinder and the rod for retaining the second end of the rod in engagement with the truss.

In an embodiment, the truss handling apparatus has a support structure for supporting the retaining device.

In an embodiment, each of the retaining devices includes a post with a pair of legs that project from the platform. A rail moves relative to the legs. A truss engaging member is for engaging the truss. A spring or ratchet mechanism is connected between the rail and the leg for retaining the truss engaging member in engagement with the truss.

In an embodiment, a material handling apparatus includes a base having a platform having a front edge and a back edge and a pair of support beams underlying the platform. The support beams each have openings adapted to receive arms of a lifting device. At least one material handling holder is adapted to engage the material and limit movement towards the platform and direction parallel to the front edge of the platform. A material retaining device is connected to the platform and has an engaging end spaced from the material holder for receiving and retaining the material in cooperation with the material handling holder.

In an embodiment, one support beam underlies the front edge and the other support beam underlies the back edge. In an embodiment, a lifting device has a pair of forks that are accepted by the openings in support beams of the platform.

In an embodiment, the material is a roof truss. In an embodiment, the material is a framed window.

In a method of installing roof trusses, a truss handling apparatus has a platform and plurality of truss handling channels. At least one truss is placed in one of the truss handling channels wherein the side walls of the channel limit transverse movement of the truss. A retaining device engages the truss. A lift is coupled to the truss handling apparatus. The truss handling apparatus is lifted relative to a structure. The truss is moved from the truss handling apparatus to the structure.

In a method, the retaining device is “U” shaped second end of a rod engages the truss. In a method, the retaining device is truss engaging member carried by a rail that moves relative to a post carried by the platform.

In an embodiment, the platform is tilted so that the front edge is higher than the back edge so that gravity causes the truss to engage the retaining device.

In an embodiment, the truss handling apparatus includes a base having a platform having a front edge and a back edge and a pair of support beams underlying the platform. The support beams each have openings adapted to receive arms or forks of a lifting device. The apparatus has a plurality of truss handling channels. Each channel has a base and a pair of side walls that extend generally perpendicular to the front edge. Each channel is adapted to engage the truss and limit movement towards the platform and direction parallel to the front edge of the platform. The apparatus has a truss retaining device connected to the platform which has an engaging end spaced from the truss handling channels for receiving and retaining the truss in cooperation with the truss retaining device.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein preferred embodiments are shown as follows:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the use of a preferred embodiment of the prior art for transporting roof trusses;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the use of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a front view of the truss handling apparatus attached to a lifting means;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged broken view taken along area 3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a detailed front view of the truss handling apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the truss handling apparatus attached to a lifting means;

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the truss handling apparatus of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a side view of the truss handling apparatus of FIG. 5 attached to a lifting means;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the truss handling apparatus; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a truss handling apparatus of FIG. 8 with a pair of trusses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a system for transporting and installing building roof trusses. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in use in FIG. 2. It should be noted that although the preferred embodiment of the present invention described at length here is a system for roof trusses, the present invention can also be used for other commonly used construction materials that can fit into a channel and that need to be delivered to a higher location.

Referring to FIG. 2, a truss handling apparatus 30 of the invention interacting with the forks 20 of a lift 22 is shown. The truss handling apparatus 30 has a base 32 with a platform 34 and a plurality of channels 36. One of the channels 36 is shown retaining the base 12 of the truss. The truss handling apparatus 30 in addition has a retaining device 38 which engages the sloping side rafters 16 of the truss 10. As can readily be seen, the truss 10 is transported on top of, and parallel to, the forks 20 of the lift 22. The truss 10 is in channel 36 and is further held in place by retaining device 38. This allows the truss 10 to be raised higher by the same lift than was possible in the prior art. It also allows the truss 10 to be handled by workers on the building more easily. In addition, this embodiment has four channels 36, each of which can hold a truss concurrently, although only one truss 10 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a front view of the truss handling apparatus 20 attached to a lift or lifting means 22 is shown. The platform 34 of the truss handling apparatus 20 has a length 42, a width 44, a front edge 46, and a back edge 48. The platform 34 is supported by a pair of “I” beams 50 of the base 34 that run the length 42 of the platform 34 and underlie the platform 34. Each of the “I” beams 50 has a pair of openings 52, which in the embodiment shown are a pair of rectangular holes, that accept the forks 20 of the lift 22.

On top of the platform 34 there are the plurality of “U” shaped channels 36, which are transverse to the length 42 of the platform 34. Each of the channels 36 has a base 54 with an interior width 42 that is slightly larger than the width of a commonly used truss 10, or of a multiple of such width. This allows a truss 10, or multiple trusses 10, to be placed in each channel 40.

Still referring to FIG. 3A, the retaining device 36 of the truss handling apparatus 20 is located on top of the platform 34 placed next to each channel 36. The retaining device 36 has a cylinder 60 that extends vertically from the platform 34. The cylinder 60 has an opening 62 that receives a first end 64 of a rod 66, as best seen in FIG. 3B. The second end 68 of the rod 66 is “U” shaped. When a truss 10 is placed in a channel 36, it engages the hook-shaped second end 68 of the rod 66 that extends from the cylinder 60.

While the FIG. shows the forks 22 only extending through the holes of one “I” beam, it is recognized that it is preferred that the forks 22 extend through both “I” beams for stability reasons.

Referring to FIG. 3B, an enlarged broken out section of the cylinder 60 is shown. The first end 64 of the rod 66 extends through the opening 62 in the cylinder 60. A spring 70, carried in the cylinder 60 and connected to the rod 66, exerts a force on the rod 66 vertically downward. This causes the hook shaped second end 53 of the rod 52 to exert pressure on the truss 10, holding the truss 10 stable while it is being transported.

Referring to FIG. 4, a detailed front view of the truss handling apparatus 30 is shown in FIG. 3A. Each “U” shaped channel 36 has the base 54 and the pair of side walls 56. The side walls 56 limit movement of the truss 10 in the transverse direction. The retaining device 38 has a support structure 72 for positioning the cylinder 60. The support structure 72 includes a pair of cross bars 76 that extend between adjoining cylinders 60 and a metal mesh 78 extends between the cylinders 60.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the truss handling apparatus 20 attached to a lifting means 22 is shown. The pair of “I” beams 50 are shown. Each of the forks 20 extends through an opening 52 in each “I” beam 50. Each “U” shaped channel 36 has the base 54 and the pair of side walls 56. The side walls 56 limit movement of the truss 10 in the transverse direction. The support structure 72 of the retaining device 38 for positioning the cylinder 60 includes an arm 74 that extends from the platform 34 to the cylinder 60 and a series of cross bars 76 that extend between adjoining cylinders 60.

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the truss handling apparatus 30 of FIG. 5. Both figures show the truss handling apparatus 30 with the base 32 having the platform 34 and the pair of “I” beams 50. The “I” beams each have a pair of openings for accepting the forks 20. The retaining device 36 of the truss handling apparatus 30 is located on top of the platform 34 placed next to each channel 36. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the retaining device 36 has a cylinder 60 that extends vertically from the platform 34. The second end 68 of the rod 66 is “U” shaped. When a truss 10 is placed in a channel 36, it engages the hook-shaped second end 68 of the rod 66 that extends from the cylinder 60.

Referring to FIG. 7, a side view of the truss handling apparatus 30 attached to a lifting means 22 is shown. The forks 20 are shown extending through both “I” beams 50. The openings 52 in the “I” beams 50 through which the forks 20 extend are shown in hidden line. The channels 36 overlie the platform 34 of the base 32 of the truss handling apparatus 30. The retaining device 38 includes the cylinder 60, the rod 66, and the support structure 72. A portion of a truss 10 is shown in phantom. Note that the channels 36 are each located outboard of the forks 20 when the base 32 of the truss handling apparatus 30 is engaged by the lifting means 22. This allows the truss 10 to over hang the back edge 48 of the platform 34.

When a contractor or framer is building a structure, the person slides a truss 10 into one or more channels 36 of the truss handling apparatus 30. The “U” shaped second end 68 of the rod 66 of the retaining device 38 can either be positioned to slide up the sloping side rafters 16 of the truss 10 or can be rotated out of way until the truss 10 is positioned in the channel 36. The “U” shaped second end 68 of the rod 66 retains the truss 10.

The forks 20 of the lift 22 are either slid into the openings 52 of the “I” beams 50 of the truss handling apparatus 30 either prior to the placing of the truss(es) 10 on the truss handling apparatus 30 or just prior to lifting the base 32 upward. The truss handling apparatus 30 is raised to the proximity where the trusses are going to be finally placed. Each truss 10 is slid out of the channel 36. The retaining device can either slide along the top of the sloping side rafters 16 or decouple from the sloping side rafters of the truss 10 prior to sliding the truss from the platform 34 to the building. While not shown, it is recognized that safety rails can project upward from the platform 34 for the safety of the personnel.

In one embodiment, the platform 34 is then tilted so that the front edge 46 is higher than the back edge 48 so that gravity causes the truss 10 to engage the retaining device 38, as described in detail above. The platform 34 is then raised and moved by the lift 22 to the building in which the truss 10 is to be installed. The platform 34 is then further raised so that its top is approximately even with the surface in the building on which the truss 10 is to be installed. The truss 10 can then be slid easily from the platform onto the surface for installation.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the truss handling apparatus 30 is shown. FIG. 9 is a similar view with a pair of trusses 10. The truss 10 in the front is a rectangular truss and the truss in back is an “A” shaped truss. The truss handling apparatus 30 has a base 32 with a platform 34 and a plurality of channels 36. One of the retaining devices 38 is shown engaging the sloping side rafters 16 of the “A” shaped truss 10 and another retaining device 38 is shown engaging the top of the rectangular truss in FIG. 9.

The platform 34 of the truss handling apparatus 20 has a length 42, a width 44, a front edge 46, and a back edge 48. The platform 34 is supported by a pair of “I” beams 50 of the base 34 that run the length 42 of the platform 34 and underlie the platform 34. The edges of the base 32 have a facing 80 that covers the ends of the “I” beams 50. In contrast to the previous embodiments, each of the “I” beams 50 has four openings 52, which in the embodiment shown are a pair of rectangular holes, that accept the forks 20 of the lift 22. Generally only a matched pair of openings 52 will be used; the four openings allow the truss handling apparatus 30 to work with lifts 22 that have forks 20 that are spaced differently and not adjustable.

On top of the platform 34 there are the plurality of “U” shaped channels 36, which are transverse to the length 42 of the platform 34. Each of the channels 36 has a base 54 with an interior width that is slightly larger than the width of a commonly used truss 10, or of a multiple of such width. This allows a truss 10, or multiple trusses 10, to be placed in each channel 40.

Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the retaining device 36 of the truss handling apparatus 20 is located on top of the platform 34 placed next to each channel 36. The retaining device 38 has a post 82 with a pair of legs 84 that extend up between adjoining channels 36. The retaining device 38 has a truss engaging member 86 with a pair of arms 88 that overlie the truss 10, as seen in FIG. 9. The truss engaging member 86 is pivotably mounted to a rail 90 that moves relative to the legs 84 of the post 82. The retaining device 38 has a spring or ratchet mechanism to retain the truss engaging member 86 against the truss. One of the reasons the retaining device 38, the tower, is at the back 48 of the platform 34 (closest to where the forks go in and furthest from the building) is in part so that the ratchet mechanism does not need to go further up when releasing the truss.

In the ratchet mechanism, a rod that sticks out from the tower, the leg 84, and that ratchets down just like a ladder ratchets up. Thus the rod-lever will click and lock as it slides down. Gravity will cause the road-lever to move down relative to the rest of the tower. It is like a double hook and lever that flips back and forth.

Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the channels 36 has an end 94 of the base 54 that angles downward on the back edge 48 to assist in loading of the truss 10. The curved portion 94 of the channels 36 at the back end (the tower end) of the platform are so that the tail of the trusses are not caught on the channels 36. The tail is the portion of the truss that extends below the main bottom of the truss at both ends for the typical triangular truss. A plurality of safety rail receptacles 92 for placing safety rails are located on the platform 34 between the pair of channels 36 and at the ends of the platform 34.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

It is recognized that while a truss is shown, the apparatus 30 can be used for other items such as doors and windows. While an “I” beam 50 is shown, it is recognized that other structures such as a box beam can be used.

It is recognized that multiple trusses are typically only in a single channel when they are already fastened together as in a girt truss (so that they form a structural material as a whole). These fastened-together trusses are wider than individual trusses and the channels 36 are designed to be side enough to accommodate them.

It is recognized that while a solid platform 34 is described, that it need not be a solid structure. If it is not also being used as a work platform, the base structure could be a series of “I” beams and channels and towers. 

1. A truss handling apparatus comprising: a base having at least two contact points for engaging the truss; a truss engaging device spaced from the platform for engaging the truss; and a lift interface for interfacing with a lift to allow movement of the apparatus.
 2. A truss handling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base has a platform having a front edge and a back edge; the contact points are a channel extending from the front edge to the back edge, the truss engaging device is a retaining device associated with the channels for retaining the truss; and the lift interface is the base having a pair of beams having a pair of openings.
 3. A truss handling apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the retaining devices is a cylinder; a rod having a first end received by the cylinder and a second end having a “U” shape for engaging the truss; and a spring mechanism connected between the cylinder and the rod for retaining the second end of the rod in engagement with the truss.
 4. A truss handling apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a support structure for supporting the retaining device.
 5. A truss handling apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the retaining devices is a post with a pair of legs that project from the platform; a rail that moves relative to the legs; a truss engaging member for engaging the truss; and a ratchet mechanism connected between the rail and the post for retaining the truss engagement member in engagement with the truss.
 6. A material handling apparatus comprising: a base having a platform having a front edge and a back edge and a pair of support beams underlying the platform; the support beams each having openings adapted to receive arms of a lifting device; at least one material handling holder adapted to engage the material and limit movement towards the platform and direction parallel to the front edge of the platform; and a material retaining device connected to the platform and having an engaging end spaced from the material holder for receiving and retaining the material in cooperation with the material handling holder.
 7. A material handling apparatus of claim 6 wherein one support beams underlies the front edge and the other support beam underlies the back edge.
 8. A material handling apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a lifting device having a pair of forks that are accepted by the openings in support beams of the platform.
 9. A material handling apparatus of claim 6 wherein the material is a roof truss.
 10. A material handling apparatus of claim 6 wherein the material is a framed window.
 11. A method of installing roof trusses comprising: providing a truss handling apparatus having a platform and plurality of truss handling channels placing at least one truss in one of the truss handling channels wherein the side walls of the channel limit transverse movement of the truss; engaging a retaining device engages the truss; coupling a lift to the truss handling apparatus; lifting the truss handling apparatus relative to a structure; and moving the truss from the truss handling apparatus to the structure.
 12. A method of installing roof trusses of claim 11 wherein the retaining device is “U” shaped second end of a rod engages the truss.
 13. A method of installing roof trusses of claim 11 wherein the retaining device is truss engaging member carried by a rail that moves relative to a post carried by the platform.
 14. A method of installing roof trusses of claim 11 wherein the platform is then tilted so that the front edge is higher than the back edge so that gravity causes the truss to engage the retaining device.
 15. A truss handling apparatus comprising: a base having a platform having a front edge and a back edge and a pair of support beams underlying the platform; the support beams each having openings adapted to receive arms of a lifting device; a plurality of truss handling channels, each channel having a base and a pair of side walls that extend generally perpendicular to the front edge, each channel adapted to engage the truss and limit movement towards the platform and direction parallel to the front edge of the platform; and a truss retaining device connected to the platform and having an engaging end spaced from the material holder for receiving and retaining the material in cooperation with the truss handling channels.
 16. A truss handling apparatus of claim 15 wherein the truss retaining device includes: a cylinder; a rod having a first end received by the cylinder and a second end having a “U” shape for engaging the truss; and a spring mechanism connected between the cylinder and the rod for retaining the second end of the rod in engagement with the truss.
 17. A truss handling apparatus of claim 15 wherein the truss retaining device includes: a post with a pair of legs that project from the platform; a rail that moves relative to the legs; a truss engaging member for engaging the truss; and a ratchet mechanism connected between the rail and the post for retaining the truss engagement member in engagement with the truss. 